I’ve had the opportunity to celebrate Disneyland’s birthday (July 17th) in person many times in the past, including at the big media event for the 50th! But there are years that we don’t get to Disneyland in July – so we celebrate instead at the Magic Kingdom (below, right). We celebrated the 57th birthday of Disneyland on a very rainy day at the park. Our tradition is to ride opening day Disneyland attractions, but some of them are outside, so we couldn’t really be too choosy!

We didn’t realize upon entering the Magic Kingdom that we were just a couple of minutes from the first downpour of the day. We enjoyed that first rain from inside Cinderella Castle (below, left), before finding our ponchos. When the rain had died down later in the day, we rode the Liberty Belle, enjoying a view of the Haunted Mansion (below, left).

From high atop the Liberty Bell Riverboat, we also took some photos of the former Fantasyland Skyway Station construction area (below left and right). The area is quite clear now! This will eventually be the new path to Liberty Square to make room for the upcoming Peter Pan’s Flight interactive queue.

Video #1 – Fantasyland Former Skyway Station Area Construction Update from Riverboat 7/17/12 Magic Kingdom – A look at the Fantasyland former Skyway station area construction on 7/17/12. This will eventually be the new path to Liberty Square to make room for the upcoming Peter Pan’s Flight interactive queue. From high atop the Liberty Bell Riverboat you can see major clearing has been done especially by the Haunted Mansion pet cemetery.

We made our way to Fantasyland, where Beast’s Castle rises into the sky (below, left). The family in front of us thought it was Rapunzel’s castle! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train construction is blocking much of what we used to easily see, including Prince Eric’s Castle (below, right).

We rode The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, getting a great view of Gaston’s Tavern (below, left) and Bonjour! Village Gifts (below, right). I am very impressed with the detail that seems to be going into these structures and look forward to entering the world of Beauty and the Beast hopefully before year end.

Video #2 – Fantasyland Bonjour! Village Gifts and Gaston’s Taven, Castle Walls – Magic Kingdom, Disney World – Here is a look at the construction of Bonjour! Village Gifts and Gaston’s Tavern, along with Fantasyland castle walls! You’ll notice plenty of archways throughout. This is all part of the Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World.

Owl takes ownership of the deed from Mr. Toad in this artwork inside the attraction (below, left). We rode Winnie the Pooh in part because Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride had been an original, opening day attraction in Disneyland. Unfortunately, we lost Snow White’s Scary Adventures this year. Kanga holds on to Roo in this scene from the ride (below, right).

We enjoyed a great meal at one of our favorite Walt Disney World restaurants, the Plaza Restaurant (below, left). Denise always gets the Philly Cheesesteak, I had a Club Sandwich. Always a great time without breaking the bank! Denise took this photo of me on Space Mountain (below, right) wearing my Disneyland attire.

We were able to get a front spot for the Main Street Electrical Parade in Frontierland as the procession neared. Pete and Elliot always delight the crowds (below, left). For a detailed history of the parade including it’s special showing in New York City, check out my article HERE. Denise and I had a great time at the park and it was fun to continue our tradition (below, right). Happy Birthday Disneyland!

For many more great photos, please check out MouseSteps latest update Coming Soon!

All New – The Very Best of Disney’s Nighttime Fireworks Spectaculars!

Jeff Lange takes you to Walt Disney World to experience the very best of Disney’s Nighttime Fireworks Spectaculars!

Featuring: Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams – 40th Anniversary Special Edition, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Let There Be Peace on Earth Finale, Fantasy in the Sky New Years Eve Fireworks and BONUS: The Magic, The Memories, and You! (Romance Segment).

Remember Christmas: Holiday Treat 2011 DVD – Available Now:

Seasons Greetings from Jeff Lange! Celebrate the holidays with this new DVD featuring the 2011 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World.

Features yearly favorites such as: “Cinderella’s Holiday Wish (Castle Lighting)“, “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade“, The Magic, The Memories and You! (Holiday Segment), “Holiday Wishes Fireworks – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season“, “Celebrate the Season Show“, Very Merry Party Scenes, and much more!

Take a trip back in time to experience classic Walt Disney World “Frontierland” attractions. This fifth volume in the series features the following: Splash Mountain (1992), Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (2006), Country Bear Jamboree (1992), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1997), Tom Sawyer Island (2006) and more!

Also available

Take a trip back in time to experience classic Walt Disney World “Adventureland” attractions. This fourth volume in the series features the following: Adventureland Tour (1992-1997), Jungle Cruise (1993), Enchanted Tiki Birds Tropical Serenade (1992), Pirates of the Caribbean (original version including Barker Bird 1992), Pirates of the Caribbean (1997) and more!

Also available

Take a trip back in time to experience classic Walt Disney World “Liberty Square” attractions. This third volume in the series features the following: The Hall of Presidents (Original Version – 1993), Mike Fink Keel Boats (opening day attraction – 1992), Haunted Mansion (original version – 1992), Haunted Mansion Bonus Ride (my final recording of the original version with some special surprises – 2006)!

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Walt Disney World Vintage Footage:

Jeff Lange turns back the clock to 1986, where you will experience Walt Disney World through the eyes of Disneyana documentarian Bob Welbaum. This incredible vintage footage includes select narration from Mr. Welbaum, who shot this video before recording was commonplace.